Top Smallscaled Grouper Fishing Countries

The smallscaled grouper (Epinephelus chlorostigma) is a medium-sized reef fish found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, recognized for its brownish body covered in small, pale spots. This species is highly valued in commercial and artisanal fisheries for its firm, white flesh and is often sold fresh in local markets and exported to international seafood markets, particularly in Asia. The top smallscaled grouper fishing countries include Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Malaysia, where diverse coastal habitats and extensive coral reefs support robust grouper populations. These countries employ a mix of traditional handlines, traps, and, increasingly, aquaculture to meet growing demand. Overfishing and habitat degradation, however, pose significant threats to wild stocks, prompting some nations to implement management measures such as size limits, seasonal closures, and marine protected areas to ensure the sustainability of smallscaled grouper fisheries.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.